Three generations of the Berardinelli family gather at Maxim's Pizza's new location in Mentor at 6966 Heisley Road. From left is Kathy Berrdinelli, Dennis Berardinelli, Manny Berardinelli, Tom Berardinelli, Angela Berardinelli and Gene Berardinelli. The restaurant was named after Manny's brother's ring-name, Joey Maxim, the former world light-heavyweight champion.

An authentic pizza shop and Italian eatery whose strong presence remained renowned on East 185th Street in Cleveland for more than half a century is now creating its famous fare for loyal patrons and new customers in Mentor.

A short history printed on Maxim’s menu describes the business’ origins:

“Our story begins with Joey “Maxim” Berardinelli’s rise through professional boxing.

Capitalizing on his success and reputation in the boxing world, Joey and his brother Emanuel “Manny” Berardinelli opened Maxim’s Delicatessen in 1949 to service the neighborhood that showed their support throughout his career.”

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Before setting up shop at 6966 Heisley Road, Mentor-on-the-Lake residents had access to Maxim’s array of edibles on Lake Shore Boulevard for about 10 years.

But in efforts to downsize the deli and upsize takeout, catering and delivery, as well as add a casual dining space, the Mentor site on the northwest corner of Route 20 and Heisley Road fit the bill.

A grand opening took place the week of June 16.

Managing the shop is Angela Berardinelli, the third generation of restaurateurs which began with her grandfather Manny and great-uncle Joey, followed by her parents and current owners Gene and Kathleen Berardinelli.

Manny, 93, hung up his working apron for the last time in January, retiring after more than six decades. What he leaves behind are his mother’s recipes which originated in her hometown of Campobasso, Italy, and are still used today.

Manny, a personable man who carries a vibrancy some his age would envy, recalls the original store at which hundreds of loaves of bread were sold during a single weekend. Gene, along with brothers Dale, Dennis, Tom and sister Loretta, remember as youngsters stacking the thick loaves in the storefront’s window tempting passers-by.

Though some meal standards have changed with the introduction of fast food, Gene said the demand for delicious, genuine food remains.

“We have the most honest pizza in the county as far as I’m concerned,” he said. “We use high quality flour and eggs. It makes a huge difference.”

Sturdy, stone-plated ovens used since 1949 have been moved to the new store and continue to turn out pizzas and calzones.

Also served are spaghetti, cavatelli, lasagna, chicken parmesan, signature sandwiches and more.

A pizza burger, built with Maxim’s Italian sausage between two pieces of cheese pizza ($5.99) can be topped with sweet fried peppers for $1 extra. A breaded eggplant roll-up stuffed with ricotta cheese and sauce is $2.99. Pizza sizes range from 4- to 24-cut ($4.99 to $18, toppings extra).

“All of our food is homemade,” Gene said. “We take a lot of pride in that.”

Beer and wine at state minimum prices also are available.

The family is hoping to one day draw a fourth generation into their business, which they describe as having top quality, authenticity, and customer service.

“When you have a 3-year-old asking to come in because she wants to help, you know you’re doing something right,” Gene said.

Maxim’s is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and seasonally on Sunday.